Of course the legislator is never far to either curb novel activities, or at least impose restrictions that might – potentially – put a severe break on its development:
For example, in the US, Chicago’s Business Affairs and Consumer Protection department proposed new regulations that would prohibit car services from using electronic devices to measure the time and distance travelled as a way to determine fares for riders. (Further details here and here)

Sharing Economy and Fashion

Forum for the Future’s ‘Community Couture’ scenario animation.

In fashion, the concept of sharing has never quite disappeared entirely. Wedding dresses, ball gowns, kilts, graduation outfits, morning coats for black tie events – all these have been available as rental for a long time, and the rental concept has never entirely disappeared as a consequence of the sometime outrageous prices these outfits demand if purchased.

Even three years ago, business models that would capitalise on either swapping or sharing clothes seemed entirely unrealistic. The concept of clothing libraries was introduced in Forum for the Future’s ‘Fashion Futures‘ ‘Community Couture’ scenario – the result of a larger research projects which looked at how the fashion industry may develop in response to climate change demands.

It can hence safely be said: The topic has been raised, and first – adventurous? – ideas released into the public. At the same time, the sharing economy for clothing – from Swishing over Shwopping right through to professional services or peer-to-peer rental schemes are part of everyday reality already.

We can only guess what the next stage in this development will look like.
–Do you need to get a better understanding of what where your opportunities lie with the sharing economy? What your customers think and how leverage your relationship with them ‘to share’? Talk to us.